Mets Trade Barajas To Dodgers For Cash

NEW YORK - MAY 10: Rod Barajas #21 of the New York Mets runs against the Washington Nationals on May 10, 2010 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Rod Barajas from the New York Mets on Sunday for cash in an effort to bolster their catching corps.

The Dodgers announced the deal before their game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The 34-year-old Barajas, who is from Ontario, Calif., hit .225 with 12 homers and 34 RBIs in 74 games with New York this year. He came off the 15-day disabled list Thursday after being sidelined with a strained left oblique.

He is set to join the team on Tuesday in Milwaukee, where they open a three-game series.

Manager Joe Torre said the team needed a third catcher for September callups, and that Barajas will split time with Brad Ausmus, but likely do most of the catching. Catcher A.J. Ellis will be sent to the minors when Barajas arrives.

Starting catcher Russell Martin went on the disabled list on Aug. 4 with a season-ending hip injury.

Barajas has played for Arizona, Texas, Philadelphia, Toronto and the Mets during his career that began in 1999. He has hit 104 career homers, including a career-high 21 with Texas in 2005.

The Mets called up outfielder Jesus Feliciano from Triple-A Buffalo to take Barajas’ roster spot. Feliciano hit .342 with one homer and 26 RBIs in 78 games for Buffalo.

Statement from the Mets:

“The New York Mets today announced that catcher Rod Barajas was assigned on a waiver claim to the Los Angeles Dodgers and outfielder Jesus Feliciano was recalled from Buffalo (AAA) of the International League. Feliciano will wear uniform #27 and will be available for today’s game at Pittsburgh.

Feliciano, 31, is hitting .292 (19-65) with eight runs scored, four doubles, one triple and two RBI in 27 games with the Mets this season. The 5-10, 190-pounder had his contract selected from Buffalo on June 8 and was optioned to the Bisons on July 11. He was recalled on July 30 before he was optioned back on August 7.

The Bayamon, Puerto Rican native played in 1,271 minor league games and 22 Mexican League contests before making his major league debut earlier this year on June 10 vs. San Diego.

Feliciano hit .342 (100-292) with 53 runs, 17 doubles, one triple, one home run and 26 RBI in 78 games with Buffalo. His .342 batting average would be leading the International League if he had enough plate appearances to qualify for the title.

Barajas, 34, hit .225 (56-245) with 30 runs, 11 doubles, 12 home runs and 34 RBI in 74 games with New York this year. Barajas was activated from the 15-Day Disabled List on August 19. He was placed on the DL on July 26 with a strain of his left oblique.”